Gravity Assist Challenge: Crash into Kerbol using 1862 m/s or less

[Vector]

Enjoy slingshot maneuvers? Try this one.

You must start from LKO (meaning apoapsis below 100km) with a craft having not more than 1862 m/s delta-v, and crash into the Sun. If you are running without mods that measure delta-V, either construct or download this craft:

You must post a screenshot of your LKO starting configuration, and at least two images showing intercepts, and an image of your final approach into Kerbol. These images must show the resource panel or delta-v stats.

MechJeb is permitted, and generally any mods that do not alter the deep-space physics. If you use non-standard parts, you must demonstrate that the LKO starting delta-v is not more than 1862.

You may use any means to get the 1862 m/s craft to LKO, and a sample craft is provided that can easily meet this need.

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I performed this challenge with a craft having more (but using less) delta-V, then decided to lower the limit so a direct shot to Jool is unreachable and at least two intercepts are (I believe) required.

Results will be scored by delta-v used, and by mission time:

Least delta-v used (vanilla):

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Shortest mission time (vanilla):

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Least delta-v used (with MechJeb):

1. Vector (1666 m/s)

2.

3.

4.

5.

Shortest mission time (with MechJeb):

1. Vector (7589 days)

2.

3.

4.

5.

I know you guys can do better...

Edited October 10, 2013 by Vector

[Mr Shifty]

This sounds interesting. I may give it a try in a week or two.

[quietsamurai98]

You could make a scenario with the craft already in orbit, to prevent any cheating. Also, there should be two high score lists, one for flights with mechjeb and one for those without, to placate the warring factions of PureKSP and MechJeb .

Edited October 9, 2013 by quietsamurai98

[metaphor]

Sounds interesting. I'll give this a try. For reference, it takes about 7 km/s of delta-v to go directly from LKO to Sun impact.

[Vector]

You could make a scenario with the craft already in orbit, to prevent any cheating. Also, there should be two high score lists, one for flights with mechjeb and one for those without, to placate the warring factions of PureKSP and MechJeb .

Fair point, updating scores list.

Also, some great information (and part of the inspiration for me to investigate chains of gravity assists) can be found here.

Edited October 10, 2013 by Vector